Grading the Packers offseason: Free agency, staffing, draft & more
Free agency
Limited cap space restricted the Packers in free agency. They did make some affordable moves, signing safeties Jonathan Owens and Tarvarius Moore and long snapper Matt Orzech.
The Packers also re-signed several free agents, including safeties Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt, cornerback Corey Ballentine, inside linebacker Eric Wilson, and edge rusher Justin Hollins. Crucially, they brought back first-team All-Pro returner and cornerback Keisean Nixon.
Several starters departed in free agency. Wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb joined Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets. Tight end Robert Tonyan and defensive lineman Dean Lowry stayed in the NFC North, signing with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
The Packers lost a lot of experience in free agency, with Cobb, Mason Crosby, Adrian Amos, and Marcedes Lewis among the players not re-signed. GM Brian Gutekunst made some tough calls, but credit to him for not being afraid to move on from longtime starters.
It may not have been the most exciting free agency period, but it was an important one for the Packers. They didn't overpay. As a result, they will move towards a healthier salary cap in 2024, and they should also net a couple of compensatory draft picks next year.